Archive for 2026

On Saturday, Patrolmen from the Salem Police Department conducted a short-term investigation regarding the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive. Officers responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street, where contact was made with a resident who granted consent to search the residence for the subject. The wanted individual, Robert Lewis, was subsequently located concealed in a bedroom and taken into custody without incident. Lewis was transported to the Dent County Jail, where he is currently being held on a capias bond warrant for the following charges; Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct highway maintenance and construction work in Dent County this week. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work, and lane closures could cause delays. Route N will have culvert replacement work. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. Route TT will have bridge maintenance over Crooked Creek. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs and slowdown in work zones. For traffic updates, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT. Work zone updates can be sent directly to email by signing up at modot.org.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger recently announced the “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism” as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The contest invites Missouri students in grades K-12 to submit letters explaining why they are proud to be an American. Students may choose one of two prompts: “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…” Word count requirements are 50 words for grades K-3, 100 words for grades 4-6, and 200 words for grades 7-12. All letters must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2026, and mailed to the Office of Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, Missouri State Capitol, 201 Capitol Avenue, Room 224, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Wasinger said the contest is a call to young people to celebrate the blessings of liberty, the sacrifices of founders, and the enduring values that have made the United States exceptional. He noted it is important to instill in children a deep love for America when many voices seek to divide and diminish shared heritage. State Representative Darrin Chappell recalled the tremendous celebrations of the Bicentennial of 1976 and said his pride in the country has continued to grow. He noted that educating children in the unique qualities of liberty enshrined in the nation’s 250-year history is imperative for them to mature into well-rounded citizens. Renee Pace, Chairwoman of America 250 Missouri Commission, said the writing project falls under the Educate Initiative focusing on school-aged youth K-12. Award winners will be invited to a recognition ceremony and lunch at the Missouri State Capitol on June 26, 2026, where they will read their letters. For more information, contact Chris Walker at Chris.Walker@ltgov.mo.gov or 573-751-4727.

Bunker High School held it’s “Enchanted Red” Homecoming Court Ceremonies Friday night following their Basketball games versus St. Pius X of Festus. The flower girl for the ceremony was Henley Ritter, joined by crown bearer, Gus Young. The Homecoming Queen Candidates this year were, Kinsey Barton, Jesslynn Damouth, Regan Bowen, Kiera McClanahan, Kiera Martin, Bella Sanders, Hadley Martin, and Keira Turnbough. Hadley Martin was awarded as the second runner up, Jesslynn Damouth was the first runner up, the 2026 Homecoming Queen is Kinsey Barton, the daughter of Larry and Cassidy Barton of Bunker. She was escorted by Senior Brayden Radford, son of Kenneth Radford of Bunker and Samantha Radford of Salem.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday night at 8:05 involving a Rolla juvenile. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2001 Subaru Legacy, driven by a 16-year-old male, was westbound on Highway H five miles west of Salem. The report stated that the Subaru traveled off right side of the roadway. The juvenile overcorrected and the vehicle overturned. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that he was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by American Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. The commission approved the reappointment of Grant Hamlet, Shawn Bolerjack and Becky Steiner to the SB 40 Board as submitted to the commission by Amanda Sapaugh. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said maintenance work will be done at the road and bridge department shop, plus the crews will be stockpiling rock. Green went on to say that a tree was nearly down on Dent County Road 6180, and it will be removed. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated that rip rap will be taken to a low-water crossing on Dent County Road 3165 and work will be done on that road, while another crew would be working on a low-water crossing on county road 4050. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the bid has been let out on the sidewalk ADA improvements that need to be made on Highway 32 and 19 as part of the MoDOT STIP program to Garrett Power Construction. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of January on all collections, abatements, and add-ons. Her office also balanced with the treasurer for the collections for the month of January. She did say that absentee voting will begin on February 24th for the April 7th Municipal Election. Curley went on to report the courthouse would be closed on February 12th for Lincoln’s Birthday and February 16th for President’s Day. It was also announced the road and bridge department will have surplus equipment to sell by sealed bid. They have available four Husqvarna chainsaws, a hydraulic engine hoist, a 1998 Wheel dump pup trailer and a different dump pup trailer that does not have a title. Bids will need to be submitted to the county clerk’s office by March 5th at 10:00 in the morning. On the outside of the envelope of your sealed bid, please indicate which piece of equipment you are submitting a bid on. A person can submit bids on all the equipment or just one of the pieces of equipment. Persons interested in seeing the equipment before they bid are welcome to come to the road and bridge department shed on Highway 32-72 West. You may want to call 573-729-7770 to make sure someone is there before stopping by. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station. After roll call a motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda, which included review and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. Bills and statements were also reviewed and approved. In old business the Junior FF Program was discussed. All aspects of the program and the contact with the insurance company were taken into consideration. During discussion changes were suggested and will be made and sent to the board for review. The final decision and vote will be taken at the next board meeting. With no further business a motion was made, seconded and passes to adjourn at 7:15. 

The public meeting for the Missouri Route 32 bridge replacement over Huzzah Creek in Dent County has changed venues and dates. Built in 1931, the bridge is in poor condition and has reached the end of its useful life. The roadway is anticipated to remain open during construction with a one-lane temporary bypass and temporary traffic signals directing motorists through the work zone. The new dates for the open-house style meeting is Tuesday, February 10 at Boss Assembly of God Church, 22518 State Highway 32 in Boss. Visitors may stop by anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 in the evening to speak with project team members, view exhibits outlining planned work and proposed detours, ask questions and leave comments. There will be no formal presentation. Meeting materials will also be available online. A three-week open comment period is ongoing now through February 17. Input may be submitted online through a form on the project webpage, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked no later than February 17th. More details are available on the project’s webpage on MoDOT’s website, where interested parties may sign up for project-specific updates. MoDOT asks motorists to buckle up, put phones down, obey traffic signs and slowdown in work zones. For traffic updates, call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT or visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map.

After a successful first offering, Healthy Dent County will again offer Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning Sunday, February 8 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The seven-week workshop will meet weekly on Sundays from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Financial Peace University is a nationally recognized program that teaches step-by-step strategies for budgeting, wise spending, understanding insurance, buying and selling a home, building wealth and practicing generosity. Luke Heithold will lead the class and guide participants through lessons and group discussion in a supportive environment. Organizers said the workshop gives people realistic tools they can use in everyday life after seeing the impact from the first class offering. The cost to attend is $60, and seating is limited. Advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, call 573-729-8163. Questions may be emailed to Carlos@salemcommunitycenter.org.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced his office will conduct a thorough review of governmental operations in Reynolds County. The regularly scheduled performance audit of the county located in southeast Missouri officially commenced with a meeting with county officials on Monday, February 2nd. Auditor Fitzpatrick said that it’s good to regularly shine the light of transparency on county governments as it gives citizens a better understanding of how their government is operating and how it can improve. It also gives county officials a roadmap for how they can make changes that will lead to a system of government that is more accountable and less vulnerable to waste, fraud, or abuse. Fitzpatrick went on to say that we encourage anyone who may have information that is useful to our office while we conduct this audit to contact our Whistleblower Hotline. We appreciate the information we receive, and we keep every submission confidential. The Missouri State Auditor’s Office last conducted a performance audit of Reynolds County in 2018. The audit provided the county with a rating of “good” while making recommendations to improve procedures in the Sheriff’s office, including ensuring appropriate oversight of financial transactions. The State Auditor’s Office also released a closeout audit of the Reynolds County Collector in 2022. The report found the county collector did not properly review fees withheld on utility and delinquent taxes calculated by the property tax system for accuracy and, as a result, the county collector over withheld some fees. Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of Reynolds County to the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet at 6:00 this evening in the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. In Old Business the Board will address the Junior FF Program before adjournment. The regular meeting of the DCFPD Board of Directors is open to the public.

Saturday night in front of a large crowd at the SHS Gym, seven dance couples entertained the audience at the Salem Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Dancing with the Salem Stars” event. Taking first place was Luke and Hannah Heithold with Shannon Wright and Bella Mutz capturing second place. The People’s Choice Award went Bub Partin and Lisa Godi for their entertaining dance. Other dance routines as part of the show were performed by the students at the Salem Academy of Dance taught by Ashlyn Patterson. The hospital foundation board thanks all those attending the event and especially the dancers who made it fun for all those who attended. 

Missouri leaders announced data showing that traffic fatalities declined in 2025 for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to improve roadway safety. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety partners in making the announcement, which also served as a call for continued action to save lives on Missouri roadways. Preliminary figures show there were 911 fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2025, down from 955 the previous year – a 5% decrease. Compared to three years ago, Missouri has achieved a 14% reduction in roadway deaths. This marks the first time the state has seen a three-year decline since 2019.

Time is running out for Missouri agriculture students to apply for a 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarship. The Missouri Corn Foundation is continuing the longstanding tradition of awarding seven deserving students $1,000 scholarships in 2026. Applications for the Missouri Corn Scholarship Program are available online for high school seniors and college juniors pursuing a degree in agriculture. Missouri Corn Scholarship Chair Brian Willott of Mexico, Missouri noted that investing in the future of our industry goes beyond building markets. It’s also investing in the people, the families, and the future leaders in agriculture. Whether it’s corn production, marketing, agronomy, or policy work, our industry is ever changing, and we want to invest in the students who are ready to take on the challenges to help move agriculture forward. Applications for the 2026 Missouri Corn Scholarships are available at mocorn.org under the Education tab and must be submitted online. To be eligible, students must submit an application, official high school or college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation by February 13th, 2026. High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area. They must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university and major in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners. College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a Missouri farm or rural area and currently a junior enrolled in a four-year college or university majoring in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners. The Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee will review the applications, and recipients will be notified by mail on or before April 15th, 2026. To learn more about Missouri Corn programs, visit mocorn.org.

Calling Parents of 8th Graders! If your student is NOT currently enrolled in Salem R-80 school district but plans to attend Salem High School for the 2026–2027 school year, please be sure to attend the Pre-Enrollment Day! Pre-enrollment is an important first step because it allows the school to officially enter your student into their system. This helps the high school build accurate class schedules, create student profiles, plan courses, staffing, and support services. Getting your student pre-enrolled early ensures a smoother transition to high school and helps the school best prepare for your child’s success. Pre-Enrollment Day Wednesday Feb. 11th from 8:30 in the morning until 6:30 in the evening in the Salem High School Library.